Petero binned as Broncos rout Tigers

A big night at Suncorp Stadium tonight saw Petero Civoniceva sin-binned as the home side Brisbane defeated the Wests Tigers 48-18 in front of a wet Monday night crowd of 29,346.

The melee causing the binning of the outbound Civoniceva occured late in the game as Tiger forward Bryce Gibbs was seen to be laying around the play the ball. The incident came at a point where some Tiger fans were holding out hope for an unlikely comeback, down 36-18.

The game opened in a flurry, each team troubling the scoreboard attendant within four minutes after freak tries gave a 6-all ledger early. The Broncos then pushed on, forging ahead to a 28-6 scoreline at the break before going out to 32-6 leaders shortly after the break before a mini fightback brought the Tigers to 36-18 down and fifteen minutes to claw back before the melee seemed to change the momentum of the game. An enormous roar erupted from the crowd during the incident, Bronco fans cheering the big forward Petero off the park in light of speculation on his future in recent weeks.

The Broncos then went on to record a substantial victory, their second successive after a seven point win last week over Canterbury. A further brace to Karmichael Hunt late in the piece to complete a hat trick for the Queensland fullback gave the final thirty point margin - and along with the Bulldogs win over Manly earlier in the round, it would appear the teams in the bottom half, particularly Brisbane and Canterbury, could be making a late charge that all comers need to watch for.

Brisbane will next week face Penrith minus their Origin contingent, but will go in confident. Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers make the dreaded trip to Canberra next Sunday where they need a win desperately to turn around this worrying slump.

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary
Welcome to the ground formerly known as Lang Park for a big Monday Nighter between Brisbane and the Wests Tigers.

6:45pm Brisbane will be looking to keep in touch with the upper echelon of the ladder and can do just that by defeating the Tigers tonight. A victory for the Broncos is vital to them this week as they will be without their Origin contingent in Round 16 and face a long road back if they continue to lose. The Tigers on the other hand will be looking to solidify their indifferent form and consolidate their top eight position, and in turn begin vying for a top four spot.

Stay tuned - kickoff around 20 minutes away.

Team changes for the Broncos see Greg Eastwood pulled from the lineup, replaced by Nick Kenny.

Wet conditions out at Suncorp tonight, although a healthy crowd in show tonight, upwards of 20,000 by best estimate.

0 min: On field, Brisbane in their maroon strip, Tigers in their bright orange 'alternate' strip. Kickoff! Tigers first possession.

2 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
A beautiful movement set up by Tonie Carroll, linking up with Shaun Berrigan to put fullback Karmichael Hunt over early - the Broncos are here to play! Conversion attempt by Corey Parker successful.
Brisbane Broncos 6-0

4 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Incredible restart caps an amazing opening to the game. The ball hits the crossbar from the kickoff, allowing the Tigers to regain possession and go on the attack, a few plays later hooker Farah burrows over and stunningly we're 6-each after just four minutes. Conversion attempt by Dean Collis successful.
6 all

9 min: After an interesting and fast start to a wet game of footy things are balancing out here, both sides making last-play errors in attacking sets to hand over possession.

14 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
Tonie Carroll is giving those Blues players watching a scare, in incredible form he's made another line break, this time scoring his own four-pointer. A long night ahead for the Wests Tigers. Conversion attempt by Corey Parker unsuccessful.
Brisbane Broncos 16-6

HALFTIME Brisbane Broncos 28 Wests Tigers 6
Apart from the opening onslaught of points, the Tigers haven't really looked in any sort of position to win this match, or even score again. Poor options and touch footy style defence at times is seeing Brisbane take advantage and lump on the points. Brisbane lock Tonie Carroll is putting in a man of the match performance so far, and the reigning premiers are looking hungry. A definite chance of a blow out here as the second half goes on.

Stay tuned, second half restarts just on 8pm.

41 min: Back underway at Suncorp, big words in the Tigers dressing room at the break, let's see how they fire back.

43 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
Hodges scores again and it seems Sheens' words have gone straight out the other ear of the Tigers. A big blow out on it's way. Conversion attempt by Corey Parker unsuccessful.
Brisbane Broncos 32-6

47 min: TRY Wests Tigers
A solid try for the Tigers, although many would say too little too late. Halfback John Morris earns the points and Robbie Farah now has a shot and converts. Conversion attempt by Robbie Farah successful.
Brisbane Broncos 32-12

75 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
Steve Michaels sets up a great try that gives Karmichael Hunt a double, and a man down the Broncos continue to give the Tigers a footballing lesson. Conversion attempt by Michael Ennis successful.
Brisbane Broncos 42-18

80 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
A sensational break from Hodges sets up Hunt for a treble and as the big Civ comes back the Broncos are making this a mockery. The siren sounds at Suncorp as the Conversion attempt by Michael Ennis successful.
Brisbane Broncos 48-18